Canine Companions help us Survive the Elements
As most of the country gets hit by one of the worst snow storms in recent history, the critical role of our canine companions in helping us survive the elements becomes more apparent to us. For centuries now, no matter what man has been through, dogs have been with us. In the days of the Roman Empire, when dogs fought beside their masters, in medieval times when watchdogs were an essential part of every home, and in colonial days, when a canine companion was often the only assistance with fishing or hunting, these four legged fur balls have been by our side, ever loyal and always helpful.
The role of the dog in human history is a prominent one. They have been saving us and guiding us since the dawn of time; they have been our companions since we emerged from the slime to walk on two legs and become the dominant species on this earth. How much of that would have been possible without our dogs? There are some things man just cannot do by himself. Have you ever tried to sniff out a scent from an animal you were tracking? How about jumping into cold water to retrieve stray ropes from fishing nets or fetching fowl you shot down? Can you do that? Would you?
Today, as the snow flies and we watch updates on our televisions and on the internet, the role of dogs in our lives has changed. We may still take them fishing or hunting with us, but for the most part that’s just for sport, not for survival like it was in olden times. Our canine companions help us survive in a different way today, a way that is more subtle yet just as important. Their companionship is their greatest gift to us. We can wait until the snow stops and the plow trucks come by before we venture out, but how do we survive the loneliness and despair that many feel when they’re trapped inside waiting for the clean-up to take place?
Winter is a tough time of year. The days are shorter, even if you live in an area where it doesn’t snow. Seasonal depression is a real condition that many suffer from. A dog is one of the best cures. If you own a small dog breed, your dog can jump up on your lap and curl up with you for warmth. If you own a big dog breed, he can drag you out of the house for a walk two or three times a day. That should keep you from going into isolation. It has been proven time and again that dogs offer some of the best therapeutic assistance a person could ask for, no matter how bad their depression is.
Harry S Truman once said, “If you want a friend, buy a dog.” He could not have been more on point. Dogs are man’s best friend. They always have been, and they always will be. They once watched our backs in battle and fearlessly guarded our homes from hostile forces. Today they do the same thing, but the enemies are different. We fight the elements outside and the demons within, and our dogs are there to help us
